James Ferguson

GASTONIA - James "Fuzzy" Ferguson, 77, departed this earthly life July 15, 2008, at Courtland Terrace.

Fuzzy was born July 23, 1931, in Chester County, S.C., son of the late Mack I. and Mozelle Barber Ferguson and Malachi L. Greene. He grew up in Charlotte. ,

In addition to his parents, his brother, Andrew Ferguson, also preceded him in death.

Mr. Ferguson was a graduate of Second Ward High School, North Carolina A&T State University and served his country in the United States Army prior to moving to Gastonia in 1960. He then began his career as Director of Recreation at Erwin Community Center. James spent the next 36 years working to improve the quality of life for young people of the Highland Community. Of all his accomplish-ments, his greatest was the fulfillment of his vision to build a library at Erwin Community Center. James Ferguson branch of Gaston County Library is testament to the man who believed "always be humble, gentle and patient as you serve others." His unselfish desire to always help the human race is evidenced by his request to have his body given to science.

James took his energies and directed them toward others in love. He was a member of Third Street Presbyterian Church. He served on numerous boards, committees and task forces. Some of which included: Gaston Heart Society, Gaston Alternatives Inc., Gaston Dance Inc., Pioneer Girl Scout Council, Gaston Boys Club, Mary Nelson School, Leadership Gaston Committee, Schiele Museum of Natural History, With Friends, Salvation Army, State Museum of Natural History, Camp Rotary Task Force, American Red Cross Water Safety Committee, Gaston County Drug Action Coalition, Highland Neighborhood Associates, Habitat for Humanity Selection Committee, HIV/Aids Task Force, Booster Club Highland School of Technology, and Meal on Wheels Volunteer.

During his lifetime, he was the recipient of many accolades and service awards. Fuzzy's recognition as an outstanding citizen and commu-nity activist had its beginning in 1950 with the Civitan Award for Citizenship when he graduated from high school. His most recent recog-nition will come posthumously in September 2008 when he will be inducted into the Gaston County Hall of Fame.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 47 years, Peggie Ferguson; son, James Yulon Ferguson, of the home; brothers, Mack A. Ferguson (Janie Bell), Malachi Greene (Vera), William L. Greene (Ruth); sister-in-law, Bernice Ferguson, all of Charlotte; granddaughter, Kendra Nachelle Gardner of Lincolnton; aunts, Louise F. Moore and Beatrice F. Moore, both of Rock Hill, S.C., Carrie F. Gill of Orlando Fla., Amelia Greene of Richburg, S.C.; and a host of other relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Thursday at Erwin Community Center on Pryor Street in Gastonia.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to the Gaston County Public Library (Ferguson Memorial) or Third Street Presbyterian Church Scholarship Fund. Mail checks to PO Box 971, Gastonia, NC 28053.

Costner Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.